Blog is written by Moriah Erickson, a junior at Bethel University who is at our grounds in Gonaives, Haiti with Conner Kelderman, a junior at the University of St. Thomas, Robin Reinke, a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas, and Courtney Kelderman, a junior at Central College.
Today was a great day. We had the privilege of participating in a Haitian church service this morning. The people in the church like to sing and perform songs of worship, as well as hear a sermon from the pastor. I had the opportunity to sing and play guitar for the church service. The people seemed to enjoy it. We also sang “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” with the congregation. Even though the church was very warm, everyone sang their hearts out in worship. It was awesome seeing how the Church is universal; Haitians and Americans worshipping Christ together.
Later in the afternoon, we returned to the field and spent time with all of the kids there. We have all become very close to the children and are continually building relationships with them. We are teaching them English and they are teaching us Creole. I enjoy seeing the faces of the kids I have now come to recognize. Even though can’t fluently communicate with each other, it is neat to see the bonds that have formed. Christ brings us all together.
I had the chance to talk to some of the older kids today about their lives and specifically, their faith. They were so curious to hear about my life back home, but I find so much enjoyment in learning about their lives. The young men shared about their families and their current levels in school. I even had the opportunity to use my Spanish to converse with one of them. Many of them said their faith was the most important thing to them. This was really encouraging to hear. Many Hands for Haiti has definitely been spreading the Word in this community!
God has been showing us all so much down here. I have come to realize just how blessed I am in the United States. We do not realize how much we have to be thankful for. Having food on the table is one among the many blessings we have in America. Children in Haiti do not even know if they will have one meal for the day on many occasions. I am excited to see how God will use Many Hands for Haiti to encourage the Haitians towards hope in Him.
God Bless,
Moriah